NEW ABS WEBSITE FEATURES


NEW WEB PORTALS

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released the following information portals to assist users in finding data they need:

• Local Government Portal
• Small Business Portal
• Geography Portal
• Frequently asked questions

LOCAL GOVERNMENT PORTAL

The Local Government Portal was updated to incorporate new formatting standards and to provide the most current and relevant information available to Local Government Sector clients. These include individual councils, groups of councils and local government associations.

The Local Government portal contains information on the following:

• Finding data for Local Government Areas
• Finding data for States/Territories
• Helping clients use data
• How the ABS uses client data
• Keeping clients informed
• Helpful links for Government.

SMALL BUSINESS PORTAL

The Services We Provide to Small Business page has been designed to assist small business owners in finding the data they need for market research, profiling customers and planning a business case.

Key features of the page include

• Easy access to commonly used ABS products.
• Links to ABS publications containing data specifically on small business characteristics.
• Links to sources of non-ABS data that can be used to assist with business planning.

GEOGRAPHY PORTAL

The Geography portal will aid users of ABS data to more easily find information about statistical geography. The Geography portal contains information about the current and future statistical geography used by the ABS, links to information that will assist in using statistics, such as classifications and digital boundaries and 'Frequently Asked Questions'.

The geography portal is the place to find up-to-date information about the changes to statistical geography that will occur in 2011. The ABS primarily uses the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC) and Census geographic areas for the dissemination of statistics, but from July 2011, the new Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) will replace the ASGC.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The development of Online Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) was designed to improve our customers' ability to successfully access, use and understand ABS statistics. It targets in particular the 'tourist' category of user, who are not familiar with ABS terminology, statistical concepts or organisation of the ABS website.

Existing banks of information, material and resources developed over a number of years has been integrated into a searchable online tool. Prior to the implementation and release of the FAQs it was difficult to find relevant frequently asked questions regarding specific categories or topics. Having a central place/link on the ABS website will enable users to quickly find FAQs relevant to their particular area of interest. It has been designed to facilitate targeted topic browsing and improved consistency across the ABS website.

Benefits to customers are:

• easier access to ABS statistics.
• facilitates correct use of data for known issues e.g. homelessness statistics.
• assistance in finding currently topical or "in the news" data - particularly relevant for journalists.
• targeted suites of FAQs for specific customer groups e.g. small business.